For the first time since its founding in 1909, the UK’s foreign intelligence agency, MI6, will be led by a woman. Blaise Metreweli, a seasoned intelligence officer with over two decades of
experience, will take over from Sir Richard Moore later this year, becoming the 18th Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service.
Metreweli, 47, joined MI6 in 1999 and currently serves as Director General “Q,” overseeing the agency’s technology and innovation efforts—key to protecting agent identities and countering global surveillance threats. She described her appointment as an honor and a source of pride.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the announcement "historic," emphasizing its significance at a time when intelligence work is “more vital than ever.”
MI6 is responsible for gathering intelligence outside the UK to protect national security. Its primary missions include preventing terrorism, countering hostile states, and strengthening cyber defenses. The agency’s leader, traditionally referred to as “C,” is the only publicly named officer in the organization.
Metreweli has a strong background in both domestic and foreign intelligence. She previously held senior positions in MI5 and has extensive experience in the Middle East and Europe. A Cambridge anthropology graduate, she was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 2024 for her services to British foreign policy.
In a 2021 interview with The Telegraph—given under the alias “Director K”—she described the UK’s security threats as wide-ranging, from protecting critical technology and secrets to countering foreign assassinations. She also noted the enduring threat from Russian state activity and the strategic implications of China’s global rise.
What is the role of "C"?
As Chief of MI6, Metreweli will report directly to the Foreign Secretary and sit on the Joint Intelligence Committee alongside other agency heads and top government officials. The title “C” originates from the agency’s founder, Captain Mansfield Cumming, who signed his correspondence with a green-inked “C.” The tradition remains to this day.
Though popular culture often suggests MI6 agents have a “license to kill,” any such authorization must come from the Foreign Secretary under Section 7 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994, and only through a rigorous legal process.
Rising to modern challenges
Metreweli takes charge at a time of growing complexity in global intelligence work. Geopolitical threats from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are becoming increasingly coordinated. At the same time, rapid technological advances are reshaping the intelligence landscape, challenging MI6 to maintain its relevance as more information is gathered digitally and from space-based platforms.
In a joint op-ed last year, Sir Richard Moore and CIA Director William Burns warned that the world faces threats "not seen since the Cold War," citing Russia’s sabotage operations in Europe and China’s expanding global influence as key concerns.
Sir Richard, who steps down this autumn after five years at the helm, welcomed the news of his successor. "Blaise is one of our top thinkers on technology and a distinguished leader. I am absolutely delighted by her historic appointment," he said.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy praised Metreweli as the “ideal candidate” to guide MI6 through an era of global instability and emerging threats. He also thanked Sir Richard for his leadership and contribution to UK national security.
Prime Minister Starmer echoed that sentiment, expressing confidence in Metreweli’s leadership: “I know Blaise will continue to provide the excellent leadership needed to defend our country and keep our people safe.” Photo by Iain Crump, Wikimedia commons.